Journal of Health Psychology

Listening research focuses on the benefits of good-quality listening rather than the detrimental effects of poor-quality listening on the speaker. The aim of this critical review was to identify what is known about the effects of poor-quality listening in the fields of communication, the workplace, and health care, and to synthesize this knowledge to inform research and practice in health care. Based on the evidence, a multidimensional framework is proposed encompassing clients’ affective, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to poor-quality listening in health care, along with relational outcomes concerning the client and healthcare professional. This framework proposes three mechanisms underlying client reactions to perceived poor-quality listening—reflection, engagement, and motivation. When healthcare clients feel not listened to, this can have serious, wide-ranging, and cascading effects on their emotions, thoughts, and actions, leading to poor collaboration, poor-quality relationships with healthcare providers, and a lack of person-centered care.

The Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) measures attentiveness to normal body processes and is widely used with both healthy and patient samples. Meta-analysis of 10 articles involving 15 studies (4078 participants) examined BAQ reliability. Random-effects models pooled Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest coefficients. Heterogeneity was assessed via I² statistic; publication bias via funnel plots, Egger’s and Begg’s tests, and trim-and-fill method. Pooled Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81–0.87), indicating high internal consistency despite substantial heterogeneity (I² = 92.20%). Pooled test-retest reliability was strong at 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78–0.89), though with significant heterogeneity (I² = 95.42%). Egger’s test suggested potential publication bias. Despite heterogeneity and potential bias issues, findings support BAQ’s cross-population applicability.

Breast cancer patients navigate a challenging and complex journey that often involves both emotional and physical struggles. Despite the challenges, their journey leads to significant personal growth. To gain understanding of the psychological dimensions of this experience, this study systematically reviews previously published research on breast cancer. Specifically, it incorporates three meta-analyses to investigate the relationships among post-traumatic growth (PTG), psychological distress, coping, and resilience. The review includes 33 studies with a combined sample of 6382 patients. The findings reveal three key insights. First, PTG is an almost ubiquitous experience among breast cancer survivors. Second, there is a notable relationship between PTG and psychological distress, indicating that these processes may be interconnected. Third, PTG shows a positive association with coping and resilience, highlighting the importance of these factors in fostering growth. These results emphasize the significant role that psychological factors, like resilience and coping, play in facilitating PTG in breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer profoundly impacts physical and psychological well-being, yet the role of self-conscious emotions in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and body image remains underexplored. This study examined the relationships between SCEs (HRQoL) and mediators (self-compassion, body image inflexibility (BII)) among 302 Iranian women with breast cancer (2023–2024). This cross-sectional design employed structural equation modeling with the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), Body Image Psychological Inflexibility Scale (BIPIS), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SC-SF). The data were analyzed via partial least squares with SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4. Self-compassion mediated BASES’s effects on BII and HRQoL, but BII did not mediate BASES-HRQoL. Notably, self-compassion showed significant negative mediation effects. The findings highlight self-compassion’s complex role, unexpectedly inversely influencing (HRQoL) and BII. The study underscores the need for nuanced psychological interventions addressing self-compassion’s dual influence to optimize well-being in breast cancer care.

Use of recommended sun protection strategies among minor children of melanoma survivors is suboptimal and as a result, these children receive excess ultraviolet radiation exposure that further increases their melanoma risk. Among a sample of 368 melanoma survivor-child dyads, the relationship between family-focused factors and child sun protection and related outcomes was examined, as well as the relations of family factors with individual sun-protective behaviors. The findings indicated that sun protection, tanning, and sunburn were positively associated between survivors and their children. Certain family-focused factors including parental perceived risk for the child to develop melanoma later in life and problem-solving skills were associated with child melanoma risk and protection outcomes. These factors could be important intervention targets to improve sun protection behavior use and skin cancer risk behavior avoidance among children with a familial risk for melanoma. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04201223).

The prevalence of mental health disorders and low referral rates for mental health care indicate the need for a clinically relevant scale for symptom screening and measurement for cancer survivorship. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale 10-item Boston Version (CESD-10 B), which contains multiple dimensions, was designed for low-burden usability. This study (N = 200) aimed to evaluate the structural validity of CESD-10 B among cancer patients. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to compare (1) a single-factor model and (2) a four-factor model. Internal consistency was also evaluated. The four-factor model fit the data significantly better than the single-factor model (p < 0.001) with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.74. The CESD-10 B was confirmed for its four domain structure. The domain of Interpersonal Problems in the CESD-10 B is a major clinical indicator of the need for mental health care.

This study examines the association between HIV status, depressive symptoms, and homonegativity among Brazilian gay men. A total of 410 participants, 217 (52.9%) living with HIV and 193 (47.1%) without HIV, completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Internalized Homophobia Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results indicated high prevalence of depressive symptoms in both groups (52.2% among those living with HIV and 62.6% among those without). Mean BDI-II scores were lower among participants living with HIV (M = 11.48, SD = 9.00) compared to those without HIV (M = 13.92, SD = 9.62; p = 0.008). Homonegativity also differed, with lower scores among participants living with HIV (M = 25.78, SD = 8.83) than those without HIV (M = 30.92, SD = 3.65; p < 0.001). Homonegativity contributed to the association between HIV status and depression. These findings highlight the need for policies against stigma, expanded mental health care, and tailored interventions.

Adolescent depression has a profound impact on health across the lifespan, with depressive symptoms varying across different contexts. Therefore, accurately identifying and addressing the core symptoms in different populations is essential for developing effective interventions to improve adolescent mental health. This study utilized network analysis to examine the structure of depressive symptoms among rural children in different circumstances and to identify key targets for intervention. Network analysis results indicated that, for non-disadvantaged children, the most central symptoms were loneliness, self-hatred, and irritability, while for disadvantaged children, self-hatred, loneliness, and worry were the most prominent. Simulation-based intervention analyses demonstrated that alleviating loneliness was highly effective for both groups, with particularly strong effects among disadvantaged children, who exhibited the highest levels of loneliness and self-hatred. These findings highlight the potential of targeted interventions focusing on loneliness as a critical strategy for reducing depressive symptoms in rural youth.

The Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults (Adult STRAIN) systematically assesses the count, severity, timing, types of lifetime stressors, primary life domains, and core social-psychological characteristics. The study aimed to replicate findings from the original Adult STRAIN validation study with a sample of middle-aged and older African American adults. Participants from the Health among Older Adults Living in Detroit study [N = 200; M(SD) = 67.48 years old (8.53), range = 50–89; 74.50% female], completed two home visits, daily diaries, and questionnaires. Pearson correlations and regression models assessed concurrent, discriminant, predictive, and comparative predictive validity (vs. the Perceived Stress Scale-4 and Risky Family Questionnaire) of the Adult STRAIN to stress-related (e.g. subjective physical health) and expected unrelated outcomes (e.g. personality variables), with and without covariates. The present study provides evidence of the Adult STRAIN as a valid measure of cumulative lifetime stressor exposure in older African American adults.

The STRESS (Subjective Thoughts REgarding Stress Scale) measures one’s beliefs about stress, a key predictor of the stress response. While the scale was developed in an international sample, it was not possible to examine cultural differences in the scale. As such, there is a need for culture-specific validation; moreover, the scale has only been published in English. This paper contributes to this space by assessing the psychometrics of a translated version of the STRESS in a Turkish population. Adult Turkish participants (N = 379), aged 18–65, completed the backward-translated Turkish form of STRESS. Participants also completed the Turkish versions of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-TX), which have been previously validated and found reliable. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a four-factor structure with 19 items, explaining 58.8% of the total variance. The Turkish adaptation of the STRESS scale demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82 for the total scale and subscale-specific values ranging from 0.76 to 0.83 exceeding the commonly accepted reliability threshold of 0.70. In addition, the scale showed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. These findings indicate that the Turkish version of the STRESS scale reliably measures the intended dimensions of stress beliefs. Overall, the scale meets key psychometric criteria, making it a valid and reliable tool for assessing stress beliefs in Turkish-speaking populations. This adaptation also holds promise for enhancing cross-cultural understanding of stress beliefs and serves as a valuable resource for future research in this area.

This empirical study investigates how evaluations of the health security system (independent variable) affect trust in physicians (dependent variable), focusing on the mediating role of medical satisfaction and perceptions of medical safety (mediators). Using 2017 and 2019 China Social Survey (CSS) data (N = 17,054, aged 18–70, Mean = 47.33, 55.13% female), findings reveal a significant positive relationship between evaluations of the health security system and trust in physicians. The relationship is partially mediated by satisfaction with medical care and perception of medical safety, and the satisfaction with medical care shows a stronger mediating effect. This research highlights the crucial role of institutional trust in shaping public trust in physicians, an often-overlooked factor in healthcare trust studies. By identifying satisfaction with medical care and perceptions of medical safety as key mediators, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen doctor-patient relationships through systemic healthcare improvements.

We explore the role of internal locus of control (LOC), migration status and gender, in healthcare utilization, using the Andersen Model. It addresses the knowledge gap in understanding how these factors influence healthcare access, especially in migrant populations. Utilization was assessed using the 2020 German Socioeconomic Panel with 26,028 adults (6,968 migrants). In this cross-sectional survey study, four outcomes were analyzed via regression models, including predisposing, enabling, and need factors. A migration background reduced the likelihood of doctor visits, while LOC increased it. Among migrants, LOC predicted even higher likelihood, especially in men, mitigating the negative impact of migration status. Migration background and LOC were not linked to hospital visits, and gender differences in doctor visits were found only in men. While individuals with a migration background had a lower chance of visiting doctors, internal control beliefs proved to be a significant resource for health behavior.

The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was developed to address limitations in the MBI-HSS, the predominant burnout assessment tool for healthcare professionals. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the CBI in a sample of 510 Colombian healthcare workers. Using a cross-sectional design, reliability, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory analyses were conducted. Results showed high internal consistency (ω = 0.89–0.92). The original structure was not fully confirmed, as item 13 exhibited low factor loading and high measurement error. After removing it, the model achieved adequate fit (CFI and TLI ⩾ 0.95; RMSEA ⩽ 0.05). IRT analyses revealed appropriate item discrimination and ascending response thresholds, with the tool better differentiating individuals with low and high burnout levels. Correlations between subscales reflected associations among dimensions. The CBI is a valid and reliable tool for assessing burnout in Colombian healthcare professionals but removing item 13 is recommended to optimize its measurement properties.

This study investigated how moral distress contributed to burnout and mental well-being among 1318 healthcare and care professionals in Sweden using cross-sectional survey data and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Moral distress significantly increased both exhaustion and disengagement, which in turn negatively impacted mental well-being. Mediation analyses confirmed that burnout processes mediated the relationship between moral distress and mental well-being. Job control buffered the moral distress–exhaustion link, while collegial support had no effect. Linear moderation by age was non-significant, but curvilinear analysis suggested that moral distress affects burnout differently across ages. Age-group comparisons revealed that professionals under 30 and over 60 were most vulnerable to moral distress-related burnout. These findings highlight the need for preventive, age-sensitive strategies and workplace interventions that reduce moral distress and strengthen protective resources. The Swedish version of the Moral Distress Scale was validated across healthcare and care groups.

Health anxiety (HA) is increasingly recognized among medical students due to ongoing exposure to illness-related content and academic stress. This study examined the prevalence of HA in Chinese medical students and its association with health-oriented behaviors. A total of 2283 participants completed self-report measures of BMI, smoking status, diet, physical activity, and HA (Chinese Short Health Anxiety Inventory). The average HA score was 14.56 ± 6.34, and 33.2% scored above the clinical cut-off. Physical activity levels were significantly lower in students with HA (863.06 ± 737.12) compared to those without HA (945.34 ± 715.5; p = 0.012). Physical activity was the only significant predictor of HA (β = –0.344, p < 0.001), explaining 13.3% of the variance. However, results should be interpreted in light of limitations, including self-reported data and the single-university sample. Promoting physical activity may be a promising strategy to reduce HA in medical students.

Integrative medicine (IM) has not advanced in healthcare to its full potential. To gain a deeper understanding of IM, a study was conducted to explore experiences with its use. Interviews were held with 15 long-term yoga therapy practitioners, using yoga as an example of a complementary therapy (CT). Reflexive thematic analysis led to the construction of two themes: (1) conventional medicine (CM) protects life, while yoga enhances the power to live and (2) CM and yoga are used according to individual needs. Experience with IM using yoga as a CT suggests it can encourage proactive health behaviours and support overall health improvement.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has a progressive pathology that affects well-being quality of life. This study aimed to profile well-being in COPD patients across disease classifications. A cross-sectional survey (N = 179, n = 111 female) was conducted using online self-report measures including the COPD Assessment Test, Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, confidence to try a new intervention ruler and readiness to try a new intervention ruler. Self-compassion scores were similar across COPD severity (M = 2.98, SD = 0.74, p > 0.001) and participants reported high readiness (M = 9.05, SD = 3.56, p < 0.001) and confidence (M = 8.25, SD = 1.90, p < 0.001) to try new interventions. COPD symptoms and QoL decrease relative to COPD status, retain a high level of preparedness to improve their wellbeing.

Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) is a highly effective modulator therapy that has transformed the lives of many people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). However, limited research has explored the experiences of those not able to benefit from ETI due to genetic factors. Seven adults with CF participated in semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four themes emerged: ‘feeling forgotten’, (the challenges of being in a minority group); ‘conflicted emotions’, (the emotional impact of comparing one’s situation with others); ‘fragility of hope’, (the journey of hope experienced by participants); and ‘remaining on the old CF trajectory’, (the ongoing challenges of living with CF). The findings suggest a need for improved communication, psychological and peer support, inclusive media representation and opportunities for active involvement in research and advocacy. Implementing these interventions may help this group feel seen and supported, even as the CF landscape continues to evolve.

Headaches are among the most common and disabling neurological conditions in children and adolescents. This study explores temperamental, relational, and psychological differences between preadolescents/adolescents with a headache diagnosis and controls. The sample included 83 headache patients (51 females; mean age = 13.00, SD = 2.52) and 279 controls (145 females; mean age = 12.65, SD = 1.36). Participants completed psychological assessments, while mothers provided additional relational data. U Mann-Whitney tests showed significant group differences in all variables except secure attachment and maternal closeness. Logistic regression indicated that higher environmental sensitivity and somatic complaints increased the likelihood of headache diagnosis. Findings suggest that dysfunctional attachment patterns, conflict, and somatic symptoms may serve as maladaptive strategies to fulfill attachment needs in this clinical population. Understanding these factors could improve psychological interventions for pediatric headache sufferers.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a muscular condition that often requires treatment by orthopaedic specialists leading to length waiting periods. The study aim was to examine associations between waiting time, physical function and psychosocial variables in individuals with lower limb OA awaiting orthopaedic consultation. Data were collected from 80 individuals. Physical function assessments included 6-minute walk test, timed up-and-go, chair stand test, and handgrip strength. The UCLA Loneliness Scale, Social Connectedness Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 questionnaires were used. Linear or ordinal regressions were used to determine associations. Greater wait time was associated with higher depression symptoms (β = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06, p = 0.015), but not social connectedness, loneliness, or physical function. Higher depression scores were related to increased loneliness (r = 0.582, p = <0.001), and lower social connectedness (r = −0.470, p = <0.001). Increased wait times are associated with elevated depression scores in individuals with lower limb OA. Shortening wait time may reduce the likelihood of developing depression.

Purpose in life is associated with less pain intensity when measured between-person. The present research used a micro-longitudinal study to examine the dynamic, within-person association between purpose and pain in daily life. Participants (N = 303; M_age = 51.71, range 40–70) reported on their purpose and pain three times a day for 8 days. Multilevel modeling indicated that in moments when participants felt more purpose-driven than their average, they had less pain (b = −0.03, SE = 0.008, p < 0.001), and in moments when participants reported more pain than their average, they felt less purpose-driven (b = −0.07, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), controlling for sociodemographic, temporal, and contextual covariates. Dynamic structural equation modeling indicated no lagged effects to the next measurement occasion in either direction. This pattern suggests that purpose and pain are dynamically related within person in the moment but not across measurement occasions. Experimental studies are now needed to evaluate the causal effects of purpose on pain and pain on purpose.

The use of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is gaining traction. It is shown to be effective for pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs), yet little is known about parents’ experiences with this approach. Through nine interviews with 14 parents, we explored their experiences with receiving ICBT alongside their children. We developed two themes through reflexive thematic analysis: “Parental illness understanding,” examining parents’ understandings of their child’s symptoms, and “Redefining various parental roles,” describing how parents navigated and redefined their roles throughout treatment. Parents suspected a psychological component in their child’s symptoms before ICBT, which shaped their perception of ICBT as meaningful. While navigating parental roles was demanding and emotionally taxing, involving feelings of guilt and doubt, parents described a shift from chaos to a more balanced life. To validate these experiences, we recommend integrating a relatable fictional case into parent programs to acknowledge parental emotions.

Chronic pain is believed to have substantial negative effects on children’s school outcomes. However, there is currently no research regarding the impact of chronic pain on children in England. Educational differences between countries may mean the impact of chronic pain cannot be generalised between countries, indicating the need for a study in England exploring this relationship. The current cross-sectional study collected scores for Standardised Assessment Tests (SAT), attendance rates, and mental health data from 148 parents of children with and without chronic pain aged 11–14 years via an online survey. Results show children with chronic pain scored lower on the SATs, had higher absence rates, and poorer mental health than children without chronic pain after controlling for gender, SES and SEND. These findings have implications for the education system in how to support children with chronic pain to achieve their educational potential.

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery remains contentious. Despite high demand, patients face long waits and requirements focused primarily on biomedical parameters (high BMI, diabetes, hypertension), ignoring factors such as social stigma and negative body image that impair mental health. The present study draws on interviews with 23 patients undergoing bariatric surgery to examine the significance of living in a fat body and how this shaped their decision-making. Employing reflexive thematic analysis within a critical realist framework, the findings show a prolonged trajectory of suffering marked by a paradox of hyper-(in)visibility. Participants reported feeling constantly scrutinized yet simultaneously dismissed due to their stigmatized bodies. For them, bariatric surgery was more than a medical intervention; it was a means to reassert agency and reconstruct a damaged identity in a society marginalizing fat bodies. This underscores the importance of integrating identity, agency, and social context into discussions about bariatric surgery.

Perceived stress and negative life events may impact adiposity, but findings across populations are inconsistent, with limited research among Hispanic/Latino groups. We examined these relationships among 818 Puerto Rican young adults (441 in San Juan, PR, and 377 in the South Bronx, NY) from the Boricua Youth Study Health Assessment (2015-2020). Perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)) and negative life events (List of Threatening Experiences (LTE)) were analyzed cross-sectionally with BMI, body fat, waist circumference, and obesity. Effect measure modification by site and sex was identified. Among PR females, higher perceived stress and negative life events were associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, body fat, and obesity. In PR males, more negative life events were associated with higher BMI and obesity. In NY females, higher negative life events were associated with lower body fat, but no associations were observed for NY males. Findings indicate site-and sex-specific associations among Puerto Rican young adults under different sociocultural environments.

This study examined the prevalence of negative weight commentary across girls sport sources, and the association between weight commentary and body image (appearance and fitness shame, guilt, envy, embarrassment, pride) and psychological well-being (depression, internalized weight bias, self-esteem) in young adulthood. Women who played adolescent sport [N = 124, M_age = 21.48 (1.39)] retrospectively reported experiences of negative weight commentary in sport and current body image and psychological well-being via survey. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to test differences between women with and without negative weight commentary histories during sport. Over 70% of women reported negative weight comments during sport, most commonly from parents (44.4%). Negative weight commentary was associated with higher appearance shame (η_p² = 0.12), guilt (η_p² = 0.07), embarrassment (η_p² = 0.07), depression (η_p² = 0.08) and internalized weight bias (η_p² = 0.09) in young adulthood. These findings support the need for weight-inclusive policies and training to improve girls sport experiences and outcomes.

Body image dissatisfaction shapes well-being across the life course. This study examines associations between parent-reported childhood experiences—adverse (ACEs) and positive (PCEs)—and body image dissatisfaction in adolescents. Using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, a nationally representative survey of US adolescents, we performed adjusted logistic regressions to assess associations between childhood experiences and body image dissatisfaction. Experiencing 1–2 and 3+ ACEs was associated with body image dissatisfaction compared to experiencing no ACEs (aOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.49; aOR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.39–2.48). PCEs (family resilience and neighborhood support) were associated with lower odds of body image dissatisfaction (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.48-0.69; aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64–0.86), even in adolescents with ACEs. In adolescents with 3+ ACEs, only family resilience had protective associations against body image dissatisfaction. These findings highlight how relational support may promote positive body image, particularly in adolescents experiencing adversity.